MP calls for investigation into council's decision to close crematorium and run 'car-boot' funerals instead

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A local MP has called for an investigation into the council's decision to close the Yeovil Crematorium chapel as the local authority backtracks on its decision and reopens the facility.

West Dorset MP Chris Loder previously blasted South Somerset District Council's "unacceptable" and "inhumane" "car-boot funerals" as the crematorium was closed.

Only a small number of close relatives were permitted to attend a short ceremony at the Bunford Lane facility outside the chapel with music from a smartphone and speaker due to health concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic.

But the facility has re-opened today (May 4) following pressure from Mr Loder, and he now wants an independent investigation to take place.

He says he has sent a dossier of evidence from funeral directors and officiants disputing the council’s previous claims that it had consulted, discussed and agreed on the closure with them.

Mr Loder said: “Yeovil Crematorium Chapel should never have been closed to bereaved families but I am pleased it is now open and that small, dignified farewells are possible once again.

"I thank South Somerset District Council for following the lead of Dorset Council and Mendip District Council in making chapel funeral services available”.

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Mr Loder says he enrolled the support of the minister for local government, Simon Clarke MP.

Mr Clarke requested that civil servants intervene in the council's decision and ensure it was acting in line with government guidelines to facilitate dignified funerals, Mr Loder says.

Val Keitch, leader of South Somerset District Council, previously described Mr Loder's "car-boot funeral" comments as "untrue" and accused him of causing "unnecessary concern and anguish".

Today, the MP for West Dorset said: “It is regrettable that South Somerset District Council has suggested publicly my comments were untrue.

"I refute that comment and I have forwarded evidence to the leader of the council, countering her claim, and have called for an independent investigation to take place into the running of the crematorium.

"It will enable us to get to the facts as to why the chapel was really closed in the first place, thereby avoiding it happening again”.

Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset

A spokesman for the council said: "Since the decision [to close the chapel] was taken we have been working hard with the Crematorium Team and funeral directors with a view to reopening safely and in line with guidance, introducing measures to keep people safe.

"While we have received positive feedback on the alternative open-air offering, we are aware that many mourners value the chapel service to say goodbye to their loved ones."

"Steps taken by the council include significant alterations inside the chapel including removal of soft furnishings that can not be easily deep cleaned and plans to enable a service to take place but with social distancing to protect mourners and staff."

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Councillor Peter Gubbins, portfolio holder with responsibility for Yeovil Crematorium, added: “We took the incredibly hard decision to suspend services within the chapel last month because we didn’t want to jeopardise the safety of the public and those that operate the site.

“As part of SSDC’s extensive work to gain greater resilience for our services we have now redeployed and trained extra staff which has given the Crematorium team greater capacity.

“The safety of our communities and our staff operating the site must always be of paramount importance and to ensure that we conduct the safest service possible we will be working in co-operation with local funeral directors at all times. It is really pleasing that we can now offer services within the chapel again and that mourners can say goodbye to their loved ones safely.”